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Tweet TweetNissan’s Leaf is having a swell time in Portugal. The Iberian country has one of the finest EV infrastructures in the world. The same country also has some stunning bits of road but what seems to be fairly interesting is how they’re now increasing their support for the car. Not only are they loving the Nissan Leaf EV and have a great policy on the environmentalism issue but they’re now buying the car for Police use. In actuality the Leafs (Leaves?) will be at the disposal of PSP, a special security force responsible for policing the large urban areas. Even at that, the Nissan Leaf EV Police car won’t be focused on the heavy lifting duties at all. Apparently these new cars will be involved with something called the Safe School Program. According to superintendent Paul Gomes Valente, National Director of PSP, there’s some serious pride to be had with having the first zero emission fleet in the world. It seems that the Portuguese cops will have a … [Read more...] about Portuguese Police gets Nissan Leaf EV patrol cars

Supported by Europe By KATRIN BENNHOLDFEB. 27, 2018 Continue reading the main story Share This Page Continue reading the main story STUTTGART, Germany — The star of Daimler shines bright over Stuttgart. The giant illuminated emblem of its most famous car, the Mercedes, towers above the main train station, greeting visitors. It is visible for miles.“As soon as you arrive,” said Manfred Niess, a retired teacher and local environmental activist, “you know who rules here.”Now, though, Daimler and other automakers in Stuttgart are facing a startling new reality: It may soon be illegal for some to drive a Mercedes in this city, where the local soccer club plays in the Mercedes-Benz stadium.On Tuesday, a German court ruled that Stuttgart, one of the country’s most polluted cities, can ban diesel cars from driving in downtown areas to improve air quality. The ruling could ultimately lead to bans in a host of cities in Germany, a country with … [Read more...] about In Germany’s Car Capital, the Unthinkable: The Right to Ban Cars

Model being tested: Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Elite Nav 1.6CDTi (136hp)Price: £26,320 (on-road, no additional options); £30,995 (as tested)Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel, 136hpTransmission: six-speed manualFuel economy: 62.8mpg (claimed, combined cycle), 53.5mpg (as tested)CO2 emissions: 119g/kmRoad tax: £160 (first year), £140 (subsequent years)Insurance: Group 16E The latest Insignia is bigger and more refined than its predecessor 60-second summary What is it?Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is the all-new version of the brand’s large estate Key features Our viewThe Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is a welcome addition to the traditional estate sector for buyers who need a hard working load-lugger rather than a lifestyle SUV. First report – December 2017 Fuel economy has been almost as good as claimed Sometimes when it comes to serious load-lugging, nothing can do the job better than an estate. However, the trusty estate has lost ground in … [Read more...] about Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer long-term review

It doesn’t matter what you think of the 2017 Honda Civic Type R’s outlandish, almost Gundam-like looks, or the fact that it’s a Honda Civic, or the fact that it’s front-wheel drive. Once you’re strapped into the driver’s seat you’re going to give this car a chance. If you’re already feeling its vibe, just wait until you get a hand on that prime shift knob. The whole package falls short of perfection, but the first Civic Type R ever to be sold in the United States has a lot of personality for something that looks so much like a robot. (Full Disclosure: Honda flew me to Montréal, put me up in a lovely hotel, paid for several meals and took me to the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix to watch their race car break down just so I could briefly drive the Civic Type R and tell you about it.) A lot of people you might picture buying this car, myself included, grew up with import tuner culture. The big wings, big rims, aggressive aero kits … [Read more...] about The 2017 Honda Civic Type R Is A Beast But You Won’t Forget It’s Front-Wheel Drive

Since the electronics boom of the ’80s and ’90s, engineers have been using computers to push the envelope of vehicle performance. From advanced all-wheel drive systems and rear-wheel steering to torque vectoring and adaptive suspension, these technologies have made cars faster, safer and more comfortable to drive. But while these systems are certainly effective, their complexity and cost have often relegated them to the most exalted of sports cars, or as pricey options. Not only that, they tend to produce a driving experience that feels somewhat artificial, synthesised – and although still fun all the same, they do put yet another adulterating barrier between man and machine. So who else but Mazda – the original jinba ittai company – that would seek to use technology not just as a tool to make cars faster and easier to drive, but somehow also provide a more analogue, natural feel. Its new G-Vectoring Control system, Hiroshima claims, is the first step … [Read more...] about DRIVEN: 2017 Mazda 3 facelift